Physical morphology and triggers of starburst galaxies
Astrophysics
2007-05-23 v1
Abstract
We present a method of determining the likely triggering mechanisms for luminous, nearby starbursts based on their optical asymmetry and (B-V) color -- what we term as indices of `physical morphology.' By comparing the starbursts' locations in a color-asymmetry diagram to an independent, nearby galaxy sample, we identify which starbursts are likely triggered by an interaction/merger. We confirm our morphological interpretation based on a comparison to 20% and 50% HI velocity-width ratios. We further explain how this use of physical morphology can put constraints on the dynamical history of other galaxies, including star-forming galaxies at high redshifts.
Cite
@article{arxiv.astro-ph/0001195,
title = {Physical morphology and triggers of starburst galaxies},
author = {C. J. Conselice and M. A. Bershady and J. S. Gallagher},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/0001195},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
Accepted to A&A Letters